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The series of interconnected canals run through and around the city of Miami, built in the early 1900s. Originally for flood control and water storage, they now offer productive and unique fishing opportunities for tourists and resident anglers alike.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the primary native game fish in the Miami canals. Bass do not get as big in the canals as they do elsewhere in Florida, rarely exceeding 6 to 8 pounds, but they exist in large numbers. The best canals for bass fishing are Parkline, Snake Creek, North New River, Cypress Creek, West Palm Beach and Boynton. Bass fishing is at its best in January and February during spawning season, but bass should be released during this time to allow them to reproduce successfully. Largemouths typically strike topwater, spinnerbaits, plastic worms and a number of other lures.

Peacock Bass

Peacock bass are not native to Florida, or even to North America. These fish were introduced from the Amazon River in South America in the 1980s and were found to thrive in South Florida's warm climate. The canals in Miami offer some of the best chances to catch these unusual fish, which typically reach 4 or 5 pounds. Tamiami, Cutler Drain, Snapper and Biscayne are among the best canals for peacock bass. These fish readily strike many of the same lures that tempt largemouth bass. Minnow imitations are best, including crankbaits, bucktails and spinners.

Other Fish

Freshwater panfish such as bluegill and redear sunfish – referred to locally as shellcracker – live throughout the Miami canals, along with smaller scattered populations of crappie and catfish. Saltwater sport fish such as snook and tarpon also occasionally make their way into these waters, particularly the Tamiami, Snake Creek and North New River canals, and can make things interesting for anglers using light tackle. It is also possible to encounter non native fish such as Mayan cichlid, jaguar guapote and oscar.

Licenses & Regulations

Five largemouth bass are allowed to be kept daily, only one of which may be over 22 inches in length. The limit for peacock bass is two, one of which may be over 17 inches. It is necessary to have a Florida fishing license to fish in the Miami canals. These licenses are available through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, or can also be bought at most bait and tackle shops across the state.

About the Author

Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009.

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